Time to go home..

I have travelled through Thailand, laughed in Laos, cried in Cambodia, lived as an ozzie in Australia, made love in the Maldives, extended my limits in New Zealand, got frustrated in Fiji, came to my senses in Canada and now it's time to go back home to Holland..

This year has been the shortest year of my life, but the richest in experience. I don't feel different though, I still manage to make a complete mess of the room I occupy, even though it's only a backpack's load of stuff. Too bad a year's travel didn't cure that habit. I did learn a few things that will definitely make a big difference in the rest of my life though.

My hair looks best when it's not washed, combed or groomed in any way. Fish for breakfast isn't too bad if it involves coconut, honey and Maldivian scenery.
A pareo can be a skirt, dress, top, sheet, towel, shield in dorms, pillow and scarf and I think mine should get an award for that. Too bad I left it at Frans' and Linda's place..
When an ad for a minivan says 'seats up to 8 people' you know that number has to be multiplied by 2,3 or 4, depending what country you're in. And then we're not even talking about poultry.
A simple smile can solve a problem immediately (especially in combination with skirt & blond hair).
Police agents are the best hitchhikers.
Asians should stay on dry land.
Lying to get into a Thai prison might not be the best idea, but offers a great adventure.
Sharks should not be underestimated.
Dutch rain is nothing to complain about.
Trying to catch a spider bigger than the cup you want to put over it is just plain stupid. Trying to move it with a cloth hanger is even more dumb, you need elastic bands.
Being over competitive on a luging-track ends with you and your kart upside-down on the side. If losing your ego is not enough, you will lose some of your precious tan on your left knee.
If you have the chance to risk your life, go for it.
A beautiful bounty Island is nothing without friends to hang out with.
A communication problem is only a communication problem if you want it to be.
Going home is almost more scary than leaving..


Thank you all very much for flying around the world with me. Please stay seated until the plane has come to a complete stop at the terminal building. Be careful when opening the overhead lockers as memories, morals and character may have shifted during the flight. For the people who've been traveling for longer than six months, please proceed to quarantaine. You may have caught the travel bug and there might not be a cure..